How to Make a Bamboo Fishing Pole

Bamboo image by AzamSa"ad from Fotolia.com

Bamboo fishing poles are the stuff of which Norman Rockwell paintings are made. River or pond banks just seem to go hand in hand with bamboo poles. Fish species from crappie to bass can be caught with a bamboo pole rigged very simply to present bait to hungry waiting fish. Making a bamboo pole is a simple project requiring only a few simple items and is a great way to include and introduce children to fishing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Select a length of bamboo that will be suitable for making a fishing pole. Typically, bamboo can be purchased from hobby stores, garden centers and home stores. A good pole length is at least 8 to 10 feet long and the pole should taper toward the end where the line will be attached.

Step 2

Trim the bamboo pole to length with a knife. Cut the pole to the desired length with a knife. Also remove any small limbs or shoots from the pole and trim any sharp pieces of bamboo from the growth segments. Sand the bamboo pole smooth with sandpaper if necessary.

Step 3

Cut a notch about 1 inch from the tapered end of the rod where the line will be attached. Use a knife to cut a V shaped notch in the pole. Do not cut the notch so deep that the pole will become weakened.

Step 4

Tie a length of fishing line onto the end of the bamboo pole at the point where the notch was cut. The length of fishing line that is used is based largely upon personal preference. But the length should be at least as long as the pole plus enough line to allow the bait to reach the desired fishing depth in the water. Use a uni knot to attach the line to the pole.

Step 5

Tie the uni knot by looping 6 to 7 inches of line around the tip of the bamboo pole making sure the line is in the notch you cut earlier. You will now have a doubled line below the pole tip. Turn the free end of the line back toward the pole tip forming a loop alongside the doubled line. Wrap the free end around the doubled line and through the loop four times. Moisten the knot and pull down tightly around the bamboo pole.

Tips & Warnings

Wrap the handle end of the bamboo pole with grip tape if desired. This can help you hold the pole if it or your hands become wet. The tape can also help with gripping the pole should you hook a larger sized fish.

Attach a hook to the line with a Palomar knot. Form this knot by feeding several inches of line through the eye of the hook. Turn the line back and feed it through the eye so you have a loop on one side and a doubled line on the other. Form an overhand knot with the loop and doubled line, pull the loop down and around the bend. Moisten the knot and pull it tight against the eye of the hook.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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